This is one of my articles hot off the press, and it may generate quite a few comments. Most people show too early in agility, and I've seen the same problem in other sports. What do you guys think? When is a team ready for the uber stress of the show ring?

a good article i have seen this a few time at shows and unfourtanetly in my enthusiasm(sp) did this with opal in obedience and have regretted it ever since just happy i realized it before it was to late

We always learn on our first dogs. Yes, one of the issues is some instructors push people too quickly, and your story is very common. It's good you learned from it, though, as I know of many who never did. Your next dog will benefit from your education.

The last few trials I’ve attended I was cringing a bit at some of the stuff I was seeing in the ring (and not always the Novice ring either!) More than a few dogs and handlers who were lacking very, very basic foundation skills and were frustrated and struggling.

I didn't realize it was such an issue. Every once in a blue moon I see someone with a young dog who just isn't into the sport yet, but the vast majority of novice competitors are happy and enthusiastic about the game. I'm a perfectionist, so I prefer to be over prepared for competition rather than under... and I still had trouble getting through starters. Though, that was my fault, not my dog's. Most of the time.

Thanks guys!! I think the issue is more of a concern in some regions than in others. The agility instructors in a region very much influence things like this, handling styles, etc. In some areas, it's a very hot topic.

Hmm, I’m in CA, which is like a dog sport mecca. Everybody and their uncle are offering agility classes, even if they’ve never trialed or titled a dog. On the flip side, though, we also have a lot well known, successful, and very experienced instructors around- so good training is available if you do your homework.